Cost of Living in Burien, WA

With a cost of living index of 142, Burien, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 42% more expensive than the national average and 23% above the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 51,331, Burien is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Burien's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,742 (32% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $609,300 (100% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Burien is $90,597, which is 21% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Burien. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.7°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches spread over roughly 156 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.